- Definition
First Nations" refers to the original Indigenous peoples of Canada, excluding Inuit, and is a respectful term that replaced older, offensive words. Many communities also use "First Nation" in their name instead of "band.
The Cree and the Mi'kmaq are two of the many First Nations in Canada.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: First Nations are like the very first people to live in a house, long before anyone else moved in.
Ask your child: Who do you think lived here a long, long time ago?
Common mix-up: Kids might hear the word 'Indian' in old stories. We use 'First Nations' because it is respectful and honours them as the original peoples of this land.
Examples
- Many First Nations have their own unique languages, stories, and ways of life.
- Learning about a local First Nation helps us understand the history of the land we live on.
First Nations is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+146 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
